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Tennessee PoliticsMon, 07 Apr 2014 14:51:50 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.6Jim Kyle survives close vote for TN Senate Democratic leaderhttp://blogs.tennessean.com/politics/2012/jim-kyle-survives-close-vote-for-tn-senate-democratic-leader/
http://blogs.tennessean.com/politics/2012/jim-kyle-survives-close-vote-for-tn-senate-democratic-leader/#commentsThu, 29 Nov 2012 20:09:43 +0000Chas Siskhttp://blogs.tennessean.com/politics/?p=18486The joke is that the state Senate’s Democratic Caucus is small enough now that it could carpool to the state Capitol, but even with reduced numbers, it’s clear they still do not travel in one accord.

That truth was apparent Wednesday when state Sen. Jim Kyle was reelected Democratic leader by just a single vote, 4-3, surviving a challenge from fellow Memphian Sen. Reginald Tate.

“A couple of members told me that he had talked to them about running,” Kyle said when asked Thursday how he became aware he faced an opponent, “and he didn’t return my phone call, which is always a sign that something is going on.”

Kyle said the challenge took him somewhat by surprise, claiming that no one had previously expressed dissatisfaction with his four terms in leadership. He conceded that his maneuvering to stay in office after redistricting — he ran against fellow Democratic Sen. Beverly Marrero rather than go into a Republican-dominated district — might have sown ill-will within the caucus. Kyle also did not rule out entirely the possibility that Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey might have put Tate up to running against him.

“I don’t work that side of the street. I don’t think so,” Kyle told reporters when asked after a pregnant, seven-second pause. “I would be surprised that Speaker Ramsey would get involved in the politics of the Democratic caucus. Although Sen. Tate is certainly someone that is well-liked by the Republican leadership.”

Kyle made a vague pledge after the vote to improve communication between his office and all six of his follow-ship.

Kyle dismissed the idea that the close vote reflects the development of factions within the Senate Democratic Caucus, arguing that there are too few of them to form factions.

“If we had a 15-person caucus and it was a one-vote (race), you could say it has overtones as to what happens and doesn’t happen. Given the numbers that we have, we still are simply going to do the best we can.”

The caucus (all seven of ‘em) also reelected state Sen. Jim Kyle of Memphis as minority leader and state Sen. Lowe Finney of Jackson as their chairman. State Sens. Reginald Tate of Memphis and Douglas Henry of Nashville were chosen to fill seats on the legislature’s Fiscal Revenue Committee.